Scenic College Towns in Virginia

Virginia is home to historic universities that stood as pioneers in early American education. Nestled in charming towns, many of these institutions have significantly contributed to the growth and cultural development of their communities. Let’s look at some of the scenic college towns in Virginia that house renowned universities.

In the past, serving as the capital of the Virginia Colony, Williamsburg played an instrumental role in the founding of the United States. Today, it houses preserved architecture, quaint museums, and the College of William & Mary. As the nation’s second-oldest university, founded in 1693, this prestigious college has been present throughout the development of Williamsburg. Featuring a charming campus adorned with stately historical buildings, the university plays a pivotal role in this picturesque city, with a student population nearly half the size of its resident population. 

Nestled in Central Virginia, Lexington exudes a timeless charm with colonial architecture and public green spaces. Yet, beneath this classic small-town appearance, Lexington hosts one of the state’s most distinguished universities. Founded in 1749, the historic Washington and Lee University is surrounded by picturesque Shenandoah Valley scenery. While Washington and Lee is a small school, it is a substantial component of Lexington. 

Charlottesville is home to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello mansion, situated on the outskirts of the city. Jefferson also founded the University of Virginia in Charlottesville in 1819. Virginia’s esteemed flagship university features a stunning campus in downtown Charlottesville. Academical Village, the original campus designed by Jefferson, remains and has gone on to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Offering striking architecture, delicious restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife, Charlottesville is the ideal home for this proud university.

Blacksburg’s breathtaking natural surroundings, encompassing the New River and the Blue Ridge Mountains, create an idyllic haven for outdoor enthusiasts. However, Blacksburg is best known as the home of Virginia Tech, an enormous public research university with a student population of more than 37,000. Virginia Tech is renowned for its exquisite campus and engineering specialty, attracting some of the world’s brightest minds to the city. Blacksburg’s lively bars and student-friendly environment add to the appeal of Virginia Tech, and the school, in turn, plays a massive role in the city’s economy. 

Harrisonburg is a historic community in the scenic Shenandoah Valley. Forests and trails envelop the community, while several outstanding museums further enhance its appeal. Harrisonburg is home to James Madison University, a large public university with tens of thousands of students. The campus, vast and perfectly manicured, features picturesque buildings and a small on-campus lake. A brief walk from JMU takes you to the heart of Harrisonburg, where you’ll find acclaimed restaurants and engaging entertainment options. With a student population comparable to that of Harrisonburg itself, JMU’s presence significantly contributes to the city’s culture.